Senior Scientist I (Medicinal Chemistry)

Exelixis
paid holidays, sick time, 401(k)
United States, California, Alameda
Dec 02, 2025
SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE: Seeking highly skilled and motivated synthetic chemists to join our medicinal chemistry drug discovery team. The ideal candidates will be experienced in the design and execution of multi-step organic synthesis as well as the purification, analysis and characterization of small molecule target compounds. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Design, synthesis, purification and characterization of small molecule lead compounds Troubleshoot and optimize synthetic routes Participate in group, project team and departmental research meetings Maintain proper laboratory notebooks in accordance with company policies and practices Comply with safe laboratory practices and EH&S guidelines Contribute to the writing of technical documents, patents, scientific manuscripts, etc. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No supervisory responsibilities EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Bachelor's degree in related discipline and a minimum of seven years of related experience; or, Master's degree in related discipline and a minimum of five years of related experience; or PhD degree in related discipline and zero or more years of related experience; or Equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience for the Ideal Candidate: Experience designing and executing multi-step synthesis pathways Experience using chromatographic purification techniques (flash chromatography, preparative HPLC, etc.) Experience using modern analytical techniques (NMR, LC-MS, etc.) Knowledge/Skills: Strong organic and medicinal chemistry bench skills Solid knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry reaction mechanisms and reactivity Demonstrates independence in the laboratory Efficient use of scientific literature and chemical/scientific databases Good interpersonal skills, flexibility and works well within a team environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills WORKING CONDITIONS: Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in office Exposures encountered, such as hazardous materials, extreme cold. #LI-HG1 If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across severalU.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The base pay range for this positionis $116,000 - $165,500 annually. The base pay range may take into account the candidate's geographic region, which will adjust the pay depending on the specific work location. The base pay offered will take into account the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal equity, among other factors. In addition to the base salary, as part of our Total Rewards program, Exelixis offers comprehensive employee benefits package, including a 401k plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees are also eligible for a discretionary annual bonus program, or if field sales staff, a sales-based incentive plan. Exelixis also offers employees the opportunity to purchase company stock, and receive long-term incentives, 15 accrued vacation days in their first year, 17 paid holidays including a company-wide winter shutdown in December, and up to 10 sick days throughout the calendar year. DISCLAIMER The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.